Substituted cyclohexenes

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to substituted cyclohexenes, to their use as well as to their preparation method. These compounds have powerful long lasting natural fruity grapefruit notes with minty and fresh green tonalities.

The present invention relates to substituted cyclohexenes, to their use as well as to their method of preparation.

The main disadvantage of organoleptic compounds of natural origin, such as grapefruit oil, is, apart from price and availability, their changing quality and odor as well as flavor characteristics. The compounds of grapefruit oil, which are responsible for the typical odor and flavor are well known: Nootkatone was object of many syntheses and structurally related bicyclic compounds were described in various patents. Nonetheless, nootkatone is still too expensive for many applications and its analogues often lack various facets of the natural product. Sulfur containing compounds like 1-p-menthene-8-thiol have also been used in grapefruit accords. Other compounds in this domain are 4-methoxy-2-methylbutan-2-thiol and 8-mercapto-p-menthone. However, these compounds are chemically and olfactorely non homogenous mixtures and, in addition, are sensitive towards oxidation. A further compound exhibiting a fruity, cassis like odor is described in EP 0 167 709.

It is an object of the present invention to provide compounds having long lasting and natural grapefruit notes accompanied by floral and fresh green aspects.

Further it is an object of the present invention to provide compounds with above organoleptic characteristics which do not contain sulfur.

Further it is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive method for preparing such compounds.

It has surprisingly been found that compounds of the general formula (I)

have powerful long lasting natural fruity grapefruit notes with minty and fresh green tonalities. In compounds of the formula I having less than 18 carbon atoms, A stands for a residue of the formula II, III or IV

wherein

-   R¹-R⁶ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group, R⁷ is a methyl     or ethyl group, and R⁵ and R⁷ may form together a phenyl ring or a     furan; -   X is either a carbonyl group or CR⁸OR⁹, wherein R⁸ is hydrogen,     methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethinyl or vinyl and R⁹ is hydrogen, methyl     or ethyl; -   R¹⁰ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; -   the dotted line in formula (II) is a bond only if X is CR⁸OR⁹; and -   the dotted line in formula (III) and the dotted line in formula (IV)     optionally is a bond.

The above formula include all possible stereo- and double bond isomers.

Compounds of formula I wherein A is a residue of formula IIa

wherein R¹-R³ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group are preferred.

Further preferred are compounds of formula I wherein A is a residue of formula IIb

wherein

-   R¹-R³ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group; -   R⁸ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethinyl or vinyl and -   R⁹ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl;     and the dotted line in formula (IIb) optionally is a bond.

Especially preferred compounds are:

-   1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol, -   2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol, -   2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-1-vinyl-cyclohex-2-enol, -   2,6-dimethyl-1-ethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol, -   2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone, -   6-benzyl-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone, -   6-methoxy-1,5,6-trimethyl-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene, -   2,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-3-enone.

In an organoleptic composition compounds according to the present invention may be used alone or in combination with numerous fragrance or flavor ingredients of natural and/or synthetic origin. The range of the natural fragrances or flavors includes in addition to readily volatile, also moderately and only slightly volatile components. The synthetic fragrances or flavors embrace representatives from practically all classes of fragrance or flavor substances. The following list comprises examples of known fragrances or flavors which may be combined with the compounds of the invention:

-   natural products: tree moss absolute, basil oil, tropical fruit oils     (such as bergamot oil, mandarin oil, etc.), mastix absolute, myrtle     oil, palmarosa oil, patchouli oil, petitgrain oil, wormwood oil,     lavender oil, rose oil, jasmin oil, ylang-ylang oil, etc.; -   alcohols: farnesol, geraniol, linalool, nerol, phenylethyl alcohol,     rhodinol, cinnamic alcohol, (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol, menthol, α-terpineol,     etc.; -   aldehydes: citral, α-hexyl cinnamaldehyde, Lilial, methylionone,     verbenone, nootkatone, geranylacetone, etc.; -   esters: allyl phenoxyacetate, benzyl salicylate, cinnamyl     propionate, citronellyl acetate, decyl acetate,     dimethylbenzylcarbinyl acetate, dimethylbenzylcarbinyl butyrate,     ethyl acetoacetate, cis-3-hexenyl isobutyrate, cis-3-hexenyl     salicylate, linalyl acetate, methyl dihydrojasmonate, styralyl     propionate, vetiveryl acetate, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate,     etc.; -   lactones: γ-undecalactone, δ-decalactone, pentadecanolide,     12-oxahexadecanolide, etc.; -   acetals: Viridine (phenylacetaldehyde dimethylacetal), etc.; -   other components often used in perfumery: indole,     p-mentha-8-thiol-3-one, methyleugenol, eugenol, anethol, etc.

The compounds of the present invention harmonize particularly well with floral notes (lily of the valley, rose, iris, jasmine, ylang-ylang, narcissus notes, etc.) as well as with woody, chypre and animalic notes, tobacco- and an patchouli-like compositions, etc.

The percentage in which the compounds of the invention are used in a composition may vary within wide limits ranging from a few parts per thousand in mass market products (e.g. cleaning compositions, deodorant, etc.) up to a few percents in alcoholic extracts for fine perfumery. In all cases, the compounds of formula I provide fragrance compositions with powerful long lasting natural fruity grapefruit notes and minty and fresh green tonalities. Flavoured products comprise compounds according to the present invention at a concentration of 0.1 to 10 ppm.

Compositions comprising one or more compounds according to the present invention are preferably used in consumer products and industrial products. A few examples are body care and cosmetic products such as cream, shampoo, soap, sun cream, household products such as detergent, household cleaner, fabric softener, etc.

In a preferred embodiment food and beverage products comprise one or more compounds according to the present invention.

Compounds according to the present invention can be prepared as depicted in scheme 1 and 2.

C-Alkylations of 2,6-disubstituted phenols by reaction of a phenol with a metal hydride and an alkenylchloride are known in the art (Greuter, H. et al. (1977) Helv. Chim. Acta, 60, 1701). The resulting dienones are known to be unstable and to rearrange to higher alkylated phenols, or to aryl-alkenyl-ethers, or the allyl unit may also be cleaved off under certain reaction conditions known to those skilled in the art (Chalais, S. et al. (1986) Tetrahedron Lett., 27, 2627).

The alkylation for preparing the compounds of the present invention can also be performed under phase-transfer conditions, which avoids the use of the expensive metal hydride. It was surprisingly found, that the intermediate dienones of the formula VI of scheme 1 can be selectively hydrogenated with a transition metal catalyst, instead of generating the above mentioned side products. A preferred transition metal catalyst is palladium on charcoal. This hydrogenation is especially efficient for substrates of scheme 1 wherein the 3′-position (R⁶ and R⁷) is dialkylated, or for substrates of scheme 1 wherein R⁵ and R⁷ constitute an aromatic ring.

The α, β-unsaturated ketones of the formula Ic may be converted to cyclohexenol derivatives of the formula Ib. Depending on number and location of substituents on the cyclohexene ring, 2 or more diastereomeric alcohols may be formed. For example, 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexenol consists of 2 isomers, one having a borneol/grapefruit character with a GC threshold of 18 ng/L, the other having a grapefruit/cassis note with an odor threshold of 0.5 ng/L.

The unsaturated ketones of the formula VI may be converted to cyclohexadienol derivatives of the formula Ia according to the process illustrated in scheme 1.

In addition, compounds of the formula Ic and of the formula Ib (scheme 1) may further be converted as described in scheme 2.

The invention will be further described, by way of illustration, in the following examples.

All compounds were unambiguously identified by their ¹H-NMR-(chemical shifts (δ) are given in ppm downfield from TMS; coupling constants J in Hz), IR- and MS-spectra.

EXAMPLE 1

Synthesis of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclo-hex-2-enone

Odor: fruity, grapefruit, minty, bergamot

Sodium hydride (60%, 85 g, 2.13 mol) was added portionwise to a solution of 2,6-dimethylphenol (250 g, 2.05 mol) in 2 L of toluene at 10-15° C. The resulting suspension was stirred for 45 min. The mixture was cooled to 50° C., and prenyl chloride (262 g, 2.13 mol, 85%) was added during 1.5 h keeping the temperature at 50° C. The mixture was then stirred for further 2 h at 10-15° C. Methanol (1 L) and palladium (2.5 g, 10% on charcoal) was added and the grey suspension was hydrogenated at 0.3 bar overpressure, keeping the temperature at 20-22° C. (ice bath). The suspension was then filtered through a pad of celite. The yellow filtrate was washed with water (0.5 L), aqueous sodium hydroxide (0.5 L) and brine (0.5 L), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled over a 5 cm Vigreux column to yield 318 g (81%, bp 78-82° C./0.05 Torr) of a colorless oil. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 6.62 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.06-5.11 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.34-2.28 (m, 2H, 4-H), 2.25-2.14 (m, 2H, 1′H), 1.91 (dt, J_(5a,5b)=13.6 Hz, J_(5a,4)=6.1 Hz, 1H, 5_(a)-H), 1.76 (s, 3H, 2-CH₃), 1.77-1.70 (m, 1H, 5_(b)-H), 1.70 (s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.59 (s, 3H, 3′-CH₃), 1.05 (s, 3H, 6-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 192 (M⁺, 16), 124 (100), 109 (74), 82 (31), 69 (40), 41 (57). IR (ATR): 2965s, 2922s, 1667vs, 1449m, 1376m, 1033m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 2

2,4,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone

Odor: hesperidic, fresh, floral, grapefruit, terpenic

Mixture of 2 diastereomers in a ratio of 4/1: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 6.43 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.09-5.03 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.62-2.52 (m, 1H, 4-H), 2.36-2.11 (m, 2H, 1′-H), 1.76 (s, 3H, 2-CH₃), 1.71-1.67 (m, 1H, 5_(a)-H), 1.68 (s, 3H, 4′-CH₃), 1.61 (s, 3H, 3′-CH₃), 1.59-1.55 (m, 1H, 5_(b)-H), 1.09 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H, 4-CH₃), 1.07/1.03 (2s,3H, 6_(a,b)-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI), main isomer: 206 (M⁺, 13), 164 (20), 138 (69), 123 (100), 96 (27), 69 (35), 41 (81). IR (ATR): 2962s, 2924s, 1670vs, 1453s, 1376s, 1035m, 986m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 3

2,3,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone

Odor: agrestic, minty, fruity

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.09-5.05 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.33-2.29 (m, 2H, 4-H), 2.25-2.11 (m, 2H, 1′-H), 1.89 (s, 3H), 1.89-1.83 (m, 1H, 5_(a)-H), 1.75 (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.69-1.63 (m, 1H, 5_(b)-H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.03 (s, 3H, 6-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 206 (M⁺, 9), 178 (15), 138 (100), 137 (98), 123 (97), 96 (50), 67 (52), 41 (62). IR (ATR): 2915s, 1659vs, 1638s, 1376s, 1023m, 764w cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 4

6-Benzyl-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone

Odor: Fruity, minty, saffron, rosy, apple.

¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): 7.28-7.09 (m, 5H, Ar—H), 6.65 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 2.97 (d, J=15 Hz, 1H, CH_(a)HPh), 2.74 (d, J=15 Hz, CHH_(b)Ph), 2.40-2.29 (m, 2H, 4-H), 1.91-1.60 (m, 2H, 5-H), 1.06 (s, 3H, 6-H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 214 (M⁺, 27), 186 (37), 123 (44), 95 (13), 91 (100), 82 (91), 77 (10), 65 (18), 54 (25), 39 (20). IR (ATR): 2923s, 1666vs, 1452s, 1375m, 1027m, 702s cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 5

Synthesis of 1,3-dimethyl-3-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-one

Odor: rosy, vetiver, saffron, floral

Sodium hydride (60%, 2.11 g, 52.8 mmol) was added to a suspension of trimethylsulfoxonium iodide (11.6 g, 52.8 mmol) in 60 ml of dimethyl sulfoxide. The mixture was stirred for 30 min until hydrogen evolution stopped. 2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone was added and the mixture was stirred over night at room temperature, was then diluted with water and extracted with pentane. The organic phase was washed with water and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled (bp.95° C./0.05 Torr) to yield 4.5 g (83%) of product as a mixture of two diastereomers. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.11-4.93 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.45-1.32 (m, 7H), 1.75/1.70 (2s, 3H, 4′H), 1.63/1.59 (2s, 3H, 3′-CH₃), 1.31-1.16 (m, 1H), 1.23/1.21 (2s, 3H), 1.01/0.99 (2s, 3H), 0.75-0.64 (m, 1H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 206 (M⁺, 12), 191 (14), 163 (20), 138 (90), 123 (100), 109 (34), 95 (57), 69 (62), 41 (94). IR (ATR): 2962s, 2928s, 2866s, 1681vs, 1451s, 1375m, 1043m, 1000m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 6

Synthesis of 2,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-3-enone

Odor: grapefruit, sage, saffron, lavander

2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (5.00 g, 26 mmol) was added to a solution of LDA (prepared from diisopropylamine (3.15 g, 31.2 mmol) and n-BuLi (1.6M in hexane, 19.5 ml, 31.2 mmol)) in THF (50 ml) at −78° C. The mixture was stirred for 1 h at −78° C. Methyl iodide (5.54 g, 39 mmol) was added and the solution was allowed to warm to room temperature over night. The mixture was diluted with MTBE and washed with portions of H₂O and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo to yield 7 g of a slightly yellow oil which was distilled (bp.42° C./0.005 mbar) to give 4.5 g (84%) of an olfactorily clean oil. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.72-5.68 (m, 1H), 5.63-5.59 (m, 1H), 5.06-4.99 (m, 1H), 2.36-2.08 (m, 4H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.59 (s, 3H), 1.15 (s, 3H), 1.12 (s, 3H), 1.07 (s, 3H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 206 (M⁺, 15), 191 (8), 137 (19), 123 (25), 109 (100), 96 (34), 91 (9), 81 (28), 67 (24), 41 (33). IR (ATR): 3023s, 2966s, 2926m, 1703vs, 1456s, 1376m, 1203w, 1033s, 713s cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 7

2,6-Dimethyl-2-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone

Odor: grapefruit, rosy

This compound was prepared as a mixture of 2 isomers by reduction of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone with Na₂S₂O₄. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.15-5.12, 4.94-4.89 (2m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.69-1.26 (m, 9H), 1.70, 1.68 (2s, 3H, 3′-CH₃), 1.61, 1.60 (2s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.47, 0.98 (2s, 3H, 6-CH₃), 1.00, 0.99 (2d, J=6.8 Hz, 2-CH₃) ppm. MS (EI): 194 (M⁺, 19), 179 (17), 126 (100), 111 (52), 95 (26), 69 (72), 55 (39), 41 (56). IR (ATR): 2967m, 2929s, 2868s, 1705vs, 1452s, 1376m, 995m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 8

Synthesis of 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol

Odor: grapefruit, cassis, borneol

2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexenone (245 g, 1.28 mol) was added dropwise to a solution of methyl magnesium chloride (105 g, 1.41 mol) in THF (400 ml) and toluene (1.5 L) at room temperature. The temperature rose to 50° C. The mixture was stirred for additional 45 min, was then cooled to 15° C. and poured on ice. The organic phase was separated and washed with water (0.5 L) and brine (0.5 L), dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled over a 70 cm silverplated column (bp. 83-85° C./0.1 Torr) to yield 208 g (78%) product as a mixture of two diastereomers. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.39 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.29-5.24 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.26-2.05 (m, 2H, 2′-H), 1.98-1.88 (m, 2H, 4-H), 1.75-1.71 (m, 6H, 2-CH₃, 3′-CH₃), 1.63 (s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.60 (bs, 1H, O—H), 1.50-1.46 (m, 2H, 5-H), 1.24/1.23 (2s, 3H, 1_(a,b)-CH₃), 0.96/0.90 (2s, 3H, 6_(a,b)-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI), Isomer a: 208 (M⁺, 1), 190 (20), 175 (17), 147 (56), 121 (100), 105 (46), 98 (52), 83 (45), 43 (82). Isomer b: 208 (M+, 2), 190 (8), 175 (6), 147 (58), 121 (75), 105 (46), 98 (100), 83 (52), 43 (78). IR (ATR): 3476s, 2967vs, 2922vs, 1450s, 1376s, 1073vs, 921m, 902 m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 9

Synthesis of 6-methoxy-1,5,6-trimethyl-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene

Odor: grapefruit, agrestic, borneol, sage, lavander, lime, cassis

To a solution of 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol (5.00 g, 24.0 mmol) in THF (80 ml) was added n-BuLi (1.6M in hexane, 16.5 ml, 26.4 mmol) at 0° C. After the mixture was stirred for 30 min, methyl iodide (5.18 g, 36.5 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred at room temperature over night and then poured on ice and extracted with MTBE. The organic phase was washed with H₂O and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled (bp. 75° C./0.2 Torr) to yield 5.0 g (93%) of an colorless oil containing 2 isomers: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.64 (bs, 1H, 2-H), 5.23-5.15 (m, 1H, CH₂CH═C(CH₃)₂), 3.30, 3.28 (2s, 3H, O—CH₃), 2.22-2.12 (m, 1H), 1.99-1.88 (m, 3H), 1.75-1.58 (m, 10H), 1.20,1.18 (2s, 3H), 0.93, 0.79 (2s, 3H) ppm. MS (EI): 222 (M⁺, 1), 190 (11), 175 (10), 147 (60), 121 (100), 112 (30), 105 (57), 91 (40), 79 (25), 69 (14), 41 (45). IR (ATR): 2966s, 2926s, 1449s, 1377s, 1083vs, 858m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 10

1,2,4,6-Tetramethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol

Odor: earthy, hesperidic, rosy, woody, grapefruit

Two diastereomers in a ratio of 5/1. Main isomer: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.37-5.32 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 5.18 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 2.25 (dd, J_(gem)=14.2 Hz, J_(vic)=8.2 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.20-2.10 (m, 1H, 4-H), 1.90 (dd, J_(gem)=14.2 Hz, J_(vic)=7.2 Hz, 1H, 1′Hb), 1.73 (s, 3H, 4′H), 1.72 (bs, 3H, 2-H), 1.64 (s, 3H, 3′-CH₃), 1.55 (ddd, J=13.5, 6.0, 1.6 Hz, 1H, 5-Ha), 1.255 (s, 3H, 1-CH₃), 1.12 (dd, J=13.5, 11.0 Hz, 1H, 5-Hb), 0.97 (s, 3H, 6-CH₃), 0.92 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H, 4-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 222 (M⁺, 1), 207 (18), 161 (50%), 135 (90), 119 (48), 109 (66), 91 (36), 69 (36), 43 (100). IR (ATR): 3491s, 3953vs, 2917vs, 1704m, 1451vs, 1375vs, 1107vs, 1030s, 919s, 836s cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 11

2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-1-vinyl-cyclohex-2-enol

Odor: borneol, grapefruit, cassis, earthy

Two isomers in a ratio of 3/2: ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): 6.02-5.82 (m, 1H, CHCH₂), 5.05/5.49 (2bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.31-5.15 (m, 3H, 2′-H, CHCH₂), 2.3-1.48 (m, 16H), 0.98/0.87 (2s, 3H, 6-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI) isomer a: 220 (M+, 3), 202 (12), 133 (21), 110 (58), 95 (100), 67 (22), 55 (48), 41 (40). Isomer b: 220 (M+, 2), 202 (6), 133 (10), 110 (74), 95 (100), 69 (14), 55 (44), 41 (34). IR (ATR): 3511s, 2966vs, 2925vs, 1451s, 1375s, 1122m, 994s, 922s cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 12

2,6-Dimethyl-1-ethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol

Odor: earthy, minty, floral, grapefruit

Two isomers in a ratio of 3/2: ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.48 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.39-5.25 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.38-2.21 (m, 1H), 2.05-1.85 (m, 3H), 1.76-1.56 (m, 13H), 1.51-1.36 (m, 1H), 1.01-0.89 (m, 6H, CH₂CH₃, 6-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI) isomer a: 222 (M+, 2), 204 (4), 193 (79), 135 (23), 123 (30), 112 (70), 107 (43), 83 (100), 69 (59), 57 (49), 41 (50). Isomer b: 222 (M⁺, 2), 204 (4), 193 (79), 135 (23), 123 (30), 112 (70), 107 (43), 83 (100), 69 (59), 57 (49), 41 (50). IR (ATR): 3521s, 2965vs, 2926vs, 2880s, 1452s, 1376s, 981s cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 13

1,2,3-Trimethyl-3-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-ol

Odor: minty, rhubarb, agrestic

Mixture of two diastereomers in a ratio of 3/2: ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.05-4.90 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.05-1.16 (m, 5H), 1.48/1.47 (2s, 3H, 4′-H), 1.38/1.33 (2s, 3H, 3′-CH₃), 1.01-0.52 (m, 3H), 0.90/0.88 (2s, 3H), 0.77/0.75 (2s, 3H), 0.65/0.50 (2s, 3H), 0.07-(−1.85) (m, 2H) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 222 (M+, 2), 204 (4), 161 (12), 135 (28), 112 (62), 93 (60), 69 (60), 43 (100), 41 (64). IR (ATR): 3519 s, 2967vs, 2925vs, 2866vs, 1445s, 1375s, 1093m, 918m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 14

Synthesis of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclo-hex-2-enol

Odor: grapefruit, vetiver, rhubarb, rosy

2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone (5.00 g, 26.04 mmol) was added dropwise to a suspension of lithium aluminium hydride (0.73 g, 18.2 mmol) in diethyl ether at 0° C. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 1 h. The resulting suspension was quenched with water, aqueous sodium hydroxide solution and again water, was then filtered and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was distilled (bp. 110° C./0.1 Torr) to yield 4.93 g (98%) of the alcohol as a mixture of 2 diastereomers. ¹H-NMR (200 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.49 (bs, 1H, 3-H), 5.34-5.15 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 3.57/3.44 (2d, J=4.5, 5.5 Hz, 1H, 1-H), 2.25-1.82 (m, 4H), 1.81-1.71 (m, 6H), 1.65/1.61 (2s, 3H), 1.62-1.19 (m, 3H), 0.93/0.82 (2s, 3H, 6-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI) isomer a: 194 (M+, 4), 176 (44), 161 (42), 125 (12), 107 (94), 84 (70), 69 (38), 55 (50), 43 (100). IR (ATR): 3365s, 2966s, 2916vs, 1450s, 1375s, 1239m, 1030m, 1007 s cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 15

2,6-Dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexa-2,4-dienone

A mixture of 2,6-dimethylphenol (5.00 g, 41.0 mmol), powdered KOH (85%, 1.5 eq., 4.05 g, 61.5 mmol), prenyl chloride (85%, 1.2 eq., 6.05 g, 49.2 mmol) and (NBu₄)HSO₄ (50 mg) in benzene (50 ml) was stirred at 0° C. for 3 h. The green suspension was then poured on ice and extracted with pentane. The organic phase was washed with aqueous NaOH (32%), water and brine, dried (MgSO₄) and concentrated in vacuo at room temperature. The yellow crude dienone was ca. 85% pure and was converted without further purification. ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 6.81-6.79 (m, 1H), 6.20-10 (m, 2H), 4.92-4.88 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.51 (dd, J=13.9, 7.7 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.17 (dd, J=13.9, 7.2 Hz, 1H, 1′-Hb), 1.86 (s, 3H), 1.62 (s, 3H), 1.57 (s, 3H), 1.17 (s, 3H, 6-CH₃) ppm.

EXAMPLE 16

1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexa-2,4-dienol

Odor: grapefruit, hesperidic, floral, terpenic

¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 5.69 (dd, J=9.3, 5.2 Hz, 1H) 5.56 (dt, J=5.2, 1.5 Hz, 1H), 5.48 (dq, J=9.3, 0.5 Hz, 1H), 5.27-5.20 (m, 1H, 2′-H), 2.32 (dd, J=14.0, 7.1 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.17 (dd, J=14.0, 8.4 Hz, 1H, 1′-Hb), 1.81, (s, 3H), 1.70 (s, 3H), 1.61 (s, 3H), 1.17 (s, 3H), 1.03 (s, 3H) ppm.

EXAMPLE 17

2-(2,3-Dimethyl-but-2-enyl)-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohexanone

Odor: fresh, grapefruit, bergamot, lavender

This compound was prepared according to example 1. Excessive hydrogenation resulted in a mixture of 2 diastereomers in a ratio of 3:1. Main isomer: ¹H-NMR (400 MHz, CDCl₃): 2.89 (sept, J=6.4 Hz, 1H, 6-H), 2.58 (d, J=13.8 Hz, 1H, 1′-Ha), 2.43 (d, J=13.8 Hz, 1H, 1′-Hb), 2.11-1.25 (m, 6H), 1.61 (bs, 6H), 1.46 (s, 3H), 1.01 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 3H, 6-CH₃), 0.95 (s, 3H, 2-CH₃) ppm. GC/MS (EI): 208 (M⁺, 3), 126 (100), 111 (29), 83 (43), 67 (10), 55 (48), 41 (36). IR (ATR): 2967s, 2931s, 2867s, 1704s, 1453s, 1375m, 1124m, 997m cm⁻¹.

EXAMPLE 18

Green grapefruit floral composition for cosmetics parts per weight Benzyl acetate extra 35 Geranyl acetate 1 cis-3-Hexenyl acetate 6 Terpenyl acetate 3 Agrumex 35 Hexyl cinnamic aldehyde 55 Boisambrene forte (10% DPG) 2 Ethylene brassylate 20 Dimethyl benzyl carbinyl butyrate 5 Ethyl capronate (10% DPG) 7 Cetone V (10% DPG) 1 Citronellol extra 40 Cyclal C 18 Allyl Cyclohexanepropionate 5 γ-Decalactone (10% DPG) 15 Dihydromyrcenol 125 Dipropylene glycol 70 β-Ionone 65 Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate 152 Lilial 80 Linalool 100 Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate 10 Allyl oenanthate 25 Orange Ess. Florida 60 Verdyl propionate 20 Hexyl salicylate 15 Terpineol 10 1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex- 20 2-enol 1000

In this green grapefruit accord, 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol adds freshness and volume to the perfume and pushes the hesperidic orange-grapefruit aspect. Its long lasting effect helps to keep these properties over time.

EXAMPLE 19

A fougère-hesperidic perfume composition parts per weight Acetyl linalool synth. 30 Allyl amyl glycolate 5 Ambrettolide 15 Ambrofix 5 Armoise ess. 5 Bergamote ess. 80 Calone 10% DPG 25 Lemon ess. italie 30 Coumarine crist. 20 Cyclohexal 15 Dihydro myrcenol 85 Dipropylene glycol 100 Ebanol 20 Ethyl linalool 50 Evernyl 10 Fixolide 65 Florhydral 5 Geranium ess. 10 Givescone 5 Hedione 110 ISO E Super 65 Isoraldeine 95 10 Labienoxime 10% DPG 10 Lavander ess. 15 Methyl pampelmousse 65 Radjanol 40 Sandalore 15 Clary sage ess. 5 Stemone 10 Tricyclal 10% DPG 15 Tropional 40 1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex- 20 2-enol 1000

The grapefruit character of this fougere accord is well accentuated by 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol especially in the dry down note. The compound harmonizes top and middle note and goes well together with the marine and woody facets of this perfume.

EXAMPLE 20

Blueberry flavor for a yoghurt parts per weight Geranium oil bourbon FG 0.30 Bergamot oil peel Italy 0.20 Ylang ylang oil rectified 0.05 Linalool 2.00 Orris resin (water soluble) 0.10 alpha-Terpineol 4.00 iso-Pentanol 0.70 Geraniol 0.10 Acetic acid 4.00 Acetoin (nature identical BV) 0.06 Eucalyptol 0.30 Ethyl hexanoate 1.00 Ethyl iso-pentanoat 20.00 Ethyl acetate 20.00 iso-Pentyl iso-pentanoate 12.00 Butyric acid 0.05 Ethyl butyrate 0.50 Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate 2.00 2-Methyl butyric acid 0.50 Butyl acetate 0.10 cis-3-Hexenol 0.50 iso-Pentyl acetate 3.50 Diacetyl 0.06 Methyl cinnamate 0.70 Ethyl lactate 1.00 Tannic acid 0.05 gamma-Nonalactone 0.25 Methyl iso-pentanoate 5.00 trans-2-Hexenal 0.50 3-trans-Hexenoic acid 0.20 Propylene glycol USP 919.28 1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex- 1.00 2-enol 1000.00

1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol adds a natural fresh note to the flavor. The compound further boosts the blueberry-fruity taste in a yoghurt.

EXAMPLE 21

Pink grapefruit flavor for a yoghurt parts per weight Ethanol 805.2 Nootkatone (nature identical BV) 4.8 Orange oil 7.8-fold Brazil 34.0 Juniper berry extract CO₂ 10.0 Orange essence oil 10-fold Brazil 47.0 Orange oil 5-fold Palestine 50.0 Grapefruit base 48.0 1,2,6-Trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex- 1.0 2-enol 1000.0

In this pink grapefruit flavor 1,2,6-trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol increases freshness and harmonizes well with its fruity-hesperidic note. The compound gives volume and a more natural taste in a yoghurt. 

1. A compound of the formula (I)

comprising less than 18 carbon atoms wherein A is a residue of the formula II, III or IV

wherein R¹-R⁶ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group, R⁷ is a methyl or ethyl group, and R⁸ and R⁷ are capable of forming together a furan ring; X is either a carbonyl group or CR⁸OR⁹, wherein R⁸ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethynyl or vinyl and R⁹ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; R¹⁰ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; the dotted line in formula (II) is a bond only if X is OR⁸R⁹; and the dotted line in formula (III) and the dotted line in formula (IV) optionally is a bond.
 2. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein A is a residue of formula (IIa)

wherein R¹-R³ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group.
 3. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein A is a residue of formula (IIb)

wherein R¹-R³ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group; R⁸ is hydrogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, ethynyl or vinyl and R⁹ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl; and the dotted line in formula (IIb) optionally is a bond.
 4. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein the compound is 1,2,6trimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclhex-2-enol.
 5. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1 wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol; 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-1-vinyl-cyclohex-2-enol; 2,6-dimethyl-1-ethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol and 2-(2,3-dimethyl-but-2-enyl)-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohexanone.
 6. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein the compound is 2,8-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone.
 7. The compound of formula (I) according to claim 1, wherein the compound is 6-methoxy-1,5,(-trimethyl-5-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexene.
 8. An organoleptic composition comprising a compound according to claim
 1. 9. An organoleptic composition according to claim 8 comprising additional fragrance ingredients.
 10. An organoleptic composition according to claim 8 comprising additional flavor ingredients.
 11. A consumer product selected from the group which includes body care and cosmetic products including cream, shampoo, soap, sun cream, household products including detergents, household cleaners, fabric softener's, food and beverage products, and fine perfumes comprising a compound according to claim
 1. 12. A food or beverage product comprising a compound according to claim
 1. 13. A method of flavoring or fragrancing a product by adding at least one compound according to claim 1 to the product.
 14. A method for preparing compounds of formula (I)

comprising less than 18 carbon atoms wherein A is a residue of the formula (II)

wherein R¹-R⁶ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group, R⁷ is a methyl or ethyl group, and R⁵ and R⁷ are capable of forming together a phenyl or a furan ring; and X is a carbonyl group; said method comprises a) reacting a phenol derivative of the formula (V)

wherein R¹-R³ are independently hydrogen or a methyl group; under phase transfer conditions to the corresponding alkylated dienone of the formula (VI)

wherein R¹-R⁷ are independently hydrogen, methyl, or ethyl group; and b) selectively reducing the dienone of the formula (VI) by using a transition metal catalyst.
 15. A compound selected from the group consisting of: 2,4,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone; 2,3,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enone; 6-benzyl-2,6-dimethyl-cyclohex-2-enone; 1,3-dimethyl-3-3(3-methyt-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-one; 2,2,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-3-enone; 2,6dimethyl-2-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexanone; 1,2,4,6-tetramethyl-8-8(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2-enol; 1,2,3-trimethyl-3-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-bicyclo[4.1.0]heptan-2-ol; 2,6-dimethyl-6-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohex-2,4-dienone; and, 1,2,6-trimethyl-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-cyclohexa-2,4-dienol. 